The terms “caste” and “class” both refer to social stratification systems, but they have distinct characteristics:
- Caste:
- Hereditary and Rigid: Caste is primarily a social system based on birth. In many societies, especially in India, caste is determined by the family or community you’re born into, and it tends to be rigid, meaning that social mobility is very limited.
- Cultural and Religious: Caste is often linked to religious beliefs and traditions. In Hinduism, for example, caste is tied to the idea of purity and ritual status.
- Social and Occupational Roles: Caste often dictates the types of work or professions a person can take up, with lower castes historically being restricted to certain labor-intensive, menial jobs.
- Endogamy: People in a particular caste generally marry within their own caste, reinforcing the social boundaries.
- Class:
- Economic and Fluid: Class is primarily defined by one’s economic position and wealth. It is more fluid than caste, meaning that people can move up or down the class structure depending on their economic circumstances, education, and social opportunities.
- Based on Wealth and Income: Class is often linked to factors like income, occupation, education, and access to resources. People in higher classes tend to have more wealth, education, and power, while lower classes may have limited access to these.
- Social Mobility: In class systems, there is generally more potential for social mobility, as people can improve their class position through education, career advancement, or changes in economic circumstances.